ABSTRACT
Biopesticides, which are derived from microorganisms, living organisms or from various other natural sources have proved as an alternative to the menace of chemical pesticides, and are a promising option for sustainable plant protection through their potentialities and effectiveness against specific targets. They are eco-friendly and harmless toward other beneficial organisms and confer complete protection against various pests and pathogen attacks. Microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, protozoan, viruses and biopesticides of botanical origins being present as active ingredients can effectively control the negative influencing pathogens and pests in the crops. Apart from providing protection through direct inhibition, competition and lysis by producing various enzymes and toxins by these bioagents, one important additional benefit includes the effective management of pest and disease resistance caused by the indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides. Their uses have received global attention as a new alternative tool to overcome the problems of invading pests and disease due to being relatively cheap in production and having non-residual toxicity. In this chapter, an outline of biopesticide production and importance is provided with special reference to the sources, usages, techniques, constraints and future prospects.
